1996 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Mazda 818
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1972 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1972 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda 818. (92 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1972 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 818 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2320 mm |
